I had something mean to say here about your exclusionism, but have tamed it to: I suspect your definition of "christian community" is quite a bit narrower than mine.

thanks for toning it down, and unfortunately I can think of churchfuls of christians who would go for half-wheat. But it pains me to do so.

Quote:

I agree.

Except... this verse comes immediately after Mr. Baptist exhorts people to "Produce fruit in keeping with repentance," and by the crowd asking, "What should we do then?"

While the the chaff/wheat imagery is definitely yes-no, the section as a whole is discussing repentant behaviour. And when you're talking practical application like that, you can certainly be sometimes behaving like wheat, and sometimes like chaff.

Plus it's funny. Rigid conceptual agreement with already accepted metaphors is not the only way phrases catch on.

The fruit is a whole different topic.

But second point taken, I was too quick to judge the amusing nature of the phrase.

Quote:

Multiple interpretations? I'm pretty sure I'd interpret the isolated line in exactly the same way as you.

Not what I meant. Multiple people interpreted the line.

Quote:

...

*rubs temples*

...

What!? Of all the random crap people say this bugs you. Geez._________________Those who profess to favor freedom, and yet depreciate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground. -- Frederick Douglass

*sigh* Somehow, I feel less captivated .... picking apart scripture passages to the point of meaninglessness is not really my thing. i had no idea that I'd stumble upon a bible study group in progress.

perhaps I should learn to be less subtle in my attempts at sarcasm, btw?

Ahh, there's nothing like picking a group you admit you really know nothing about, and call them "The Enemy".

Goes well with your new av, mate.

2.

Mark 9:38-41 wrote:

"Teacher," said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us."
"Do not stop him," Jesus said. "No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us. I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.

melissa1 wrote:

picking apart scripture passages to the point of meaninglessness is not really my thing.

No one is doing this._________________"To love deeply in one direction makes us more loving in all others."
- Anne-Sophie Swetchine

Its not like I declared war on the mormons. I just want to know more about them because all I've ever heard is they claim to be christians and aren't._________________Those who profess to favor freedom, and yet depreciate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground. -- Frederick Douglass

The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

(emphasis mine)

It is hard for me to accept that these things can be considered seperate points when one is described as the direct cause of the other._________________"To love deeply in one direction makes us more loving in all others."
- Anne-Sophie Swetchine

Its not like I declared war on the mormons. I just want to know more about them because all I've ever heard is they claim to be christians and aren't.

How do you define a christian? If it's as simple as 'someone that believes Jesus Christ was deific', then they're Christians. They believe that Jesus Christ was/is (he did the resurrection thing and is immortal, doncha know) the Savior of the world, Son of God, and pretty much all that jazz.
If you really want to get into a discussion concerning the beliefs of the mormon church, PM me. I was raised in the church, I probably know the answers to any questions you'll have.